JP2004094953A - Method for enhancing function for tracing physical position of document - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for supporting the tracing of a physical position of a document. <P>SOLUTION: In one embodiment of this application, the physical positions of documents having identification tags related to them are traced. The respective identification tags physically related to the documents are so structured as to store information usable for primarily distinguishing the documents to which the identification tags are physically related. The identification tag physically related to a specific document supports locating of the physical position of the specific document along with information stored in the identification tag in relation to the specific document. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates generally to the field of document processing, and more particularly to techniques for enhancing the ability to locate one or more documents physically.

Locating physical objects is a problem that plagues humankind since it was born. Ever since a little boy (first cave boy) asked his mother, "Mama, where is my club", I'm asking for the obvious answer, "You've missed it." There is a need.
[Related application]
In this application, the entire contents of the following applications and patents are provided for reference.

(1) U.S. Patent Application No. 08 / 754,721, filed on Nov. 21, 1996, issued as U.S. Pat. ;
(2) U.S. Patent Application No. /, filed at the same time as the application (Attorney Docket No. 15358-007800US);
(3) U.S. Patent Application No. /, filed at the same time as the application (Attorney Docket No. 15358-007900US);
(4) U.S. Patent Application No. /, filed at the same time as the application (Attorney Docket No. 15358-008000US);
(5) U.S. Patent Application No./ ,, filed at the same time as the application (Attorney Docket No. 15358-008100US); 15358-008200US).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,477

問題 The problem becomes more serious when people handle documents. The proliferation of document output devices, such as copiers, printers and facsimile machines, has significantly increased the number of documents used in business and non-business settings. Most clerical users have searched through multiple filing cabinets or swirled through piles of documents to find specific documents. For this reason, the ability to locate the physical location of a document is important, especially in an office environment.

Therefore, there is a need to enhance the ability to locate the physical location of one or more documents.

This embodiment provides a method for enhancing the function of tracking the physical location of a document. Embodiments of the present application can track the physical location of documents that have identification tags associated with them. Each identification tag physically associated with a document is configured to store information that can be used to uniquely identify the document to which the identification tag is physically associated. For a particular document, an identification tag physically associated with the particular document along with the information stored in the identification tag assists in locating the physical location of that particular document.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a technique is provided for storing information that enables the physical location of a document to be tracked. In this embodiment, the document is created using the document output device, and the identification tag is physically associated with the document. The identification information stored by the identification tag is determined. The determined identification information determined from the identification tag is used to identify the document. The identification information is stored together with physical location information for identifying the physical location of the document. The information is stored such that the physical location information is associated with the stored identification information.

The above aspects and advantages with other features related to the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

This embodiment provides a technique to assist in tracking the physical location of a document. In the context of the present invention, the term "paper document" refers to a document consisting of one or more any tangible media on which information is printed, described, depicted, engraved, embossed, etc. Intended to be. For example, a document refers to a document printed by a printer, a document output by a copier or a scanner, a document output by a facsimile machine, a photo radiant object, a history, one page of a sheet, a document including a plurality of sheets, and the like. In other embodiments, the teachings of the present invention may be applied to other types of objects comparable to documents.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “electronic documents” is intended to indicate information stored electronically or in digital form. Examples of electronic documents include documents created using application programs such as files, word processors, e-mail programs, image editing, etc., scanned images of documents, and various formats such as PDF and PostScript. Documents, and other documents stored in electronic form.

The embodiments of the present application can track the physical location of documents that have identification tags physically associated with them. Each identification tag physically associated with a document is configured to store information that can be used to uniquely identify the document to which the identification tag is physically associated. For a particular document, an identification tag physically associated with the particular document along with the information stored in the identification tag assists in locating the physical location of that particular document.

As described above, each identification tag that stores information and is physically associated with a document can be used to identify the document that the identification tag is physically associated with. The information stored on the identification tag can be in various forms. According to the embodiment of the present application, a unique identification code is stored in the identification tag. In this embodiment, the unique identification code is used to identify the document with which the identification tag is physically associated. Note that in other embodiments of the invention, other types of information that may be used to identify the document may be stored on the identification tag.

情報 In addition to the information used to identify the document, other information related to the document may also be stored in an identification tag physically associated with the document. For example, according to embodiments of the present application, an electronic representation of the contents of a document (eg, a scanned image of a document, a PostScript format file for creating a document, or a portable document format (PDF) or image format or other format file) , Electronic content relating to a document or a portion thereof) may be stored in an identification tag physically associated with the document. Other types of information may also be stored in the identification tag physically associated with the document, such as the author of the document, the date the document was created, the number of pages in the document, and other information. For other types of information that may be stored on the identification tag, see, for example, U.S. Patent Application Nos. I / I, II (Attorney Docket No. 15358-007800), U.S. Patent Application No. I / I, II (Attorney Docket No. 15358-007900), U.S. Patent Application Nos. I / I, II (Attorney No. 15358-00800000), U.S. Patent Applications I / I, II (Attorney Control Number 15358-008100), U.S. Patent Application I / I, II (Attorney Control Number 15358-008200) , The entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

様 々 Various devices known in the art can be used as identification tags. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an identification tag device includes an on-device memory capable of storing information relating to a document with which the identification tag is physically associated. Depending on the type of identification tag used, information (eg, identification code information or other information) may be generated when the tag is manufactured, when the tag is activated, or by using software or hardware technology. At a later point, it may be stored in the memory of the identification tag. Various tag readers can be configured to read the information stored on the identification tag.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, to locate the physical location of the document, the tag reader is configured to read information stored on an identification tag physically associated with the document. Tag readers may use various techniques to read information from the identification tag. According to the embodiment of the present application, the tag reader can read information from the identification tag by scanning the identification tag. In another embodiment, the tag reader can read the information by receiving the information from the identification tag. The tag reader may receive information from the identification tag in response to an external stimulus (eg, electromagnetic energy) or a signal provided to the identification tag. If the identification tag is self-powered, the identification tag is configured to notify the tag reader of information stored in the identification tag. Tag readers can read information stored in tag readers in various formats, including electromagnetic waves, electronic signals, acoustic signals, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present application, a radio frequency identification device (RFID) is used as an identification tag. For example, a mu-chip manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd. can be used as the identification tag. The mu chip is a wireless identification IC chip having a width of 0.4 mm and a thickness of 60 μm in this embodiment. Due to this very small size, mu-chips can also be embedded in paper. Mu-chip is an on-chip memory (on-chip
memory) (currently a 128-bit ROM), the on-chip memory can be programmed to store information (eg, an identification code) that can be used to identify the document. In this embodiment, the tag reader can read information stored in the mu-chip by exposing the mu-chip to the microwave band of 2.45 GHz. A mu-chip utilizes microwave energy as a power source and is capable of communicating information stored in an on-chip memory in the form of a radio wave that can be detected and read by a tag reader. In other embodiments, the mu-chip includes a chip-mounted antenna or an on-chip antenna to increase the communication range. In yet another embodiment, a power supply is provided to the mu-chip, which may be programmed to communicate information stored on the mu-chip to a tag reader.

Various techniques can be used to physically associate an identification tag with a document. According to one technique, depending on the size of the identification tag, the identification tag is embedded in a page of the document. For example, mu-chips can be embedded in pages of a document due to their small size. Pages of a document that have an embedded identification tag are referred to as "tagged paper". In this embodiment, the document includes at least one page having an identification tag embedded therein. According to embodiments of the present invention, when the document output device accesses tagged paper, the document output device may utilize one or more tagged papers to create the document.

識別 Also, the identification tag can be permanently or temporarily attached to the document. Tags are attached to documents using clips, staples, adhesives, ties, strings, rubber bands, etc., having identification tags. The identification tag can also be incorporated into an object such as a label, a stop, etc. attached to the document.

According to the embodiment of the present application, the identification tag is physically associated with the document when the document is created or generated. Devices that create or generate documents are referred to as "paper document output devices." Thus, in one aspect of the invention, the identification tag is physically associated with the document by the document output device used to create or generate the document. Specific examples of the document output device include a printer, a scanner, a copier, a facsimile device, a camera capable of printing photographs, and the like.

For example, according to an embodiment of the present application, a copier is configured to physically associate an identification tag with a photocopy document created by the copier. Similarly, a printer is configured to physically associate an identification tag with a document printed by the printer. The facsimile machine is configured to physically associate an identification tag with a facsimile output document. Similarly, the other document output device is configured to physically associate an identification tag with the document when the document output device creates the document.

According to the embodiment of the present application, the registered output device is configured to automatically physically associate the identification tag with the document created by the document output device when the document output device creates the document. For example, if the document output device accesses tagged paper, the document output device may automatically use one or more of the tagged papers to create the document. In another embodiment, the document output device is configured to dispense an identification tag that can be attached to a document created by the document output device. The document output device may provide an identification tag when the document output device creates a document. For example, a document output device outputs a label having an identification tag attached thereto, and a user of the document output device attaches (attaches) the given label to a document created by the document output device. Request.

In addition to physically associating the identification tag with the victory, for each identification tag physically associated with a document created by the document output device, the document output device reads information stored in the identification tag. Can also be configured. For example, a document output device may be configured to read identification code information from an identification tag physically associated with a document created by the document output device. Then, the document output device can store the identification code information read from the document.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the identification code read from the identification tag physically associated with the document can be used to uniquely identify the document and can be stored in the document output device. For example, the identification code information can be stored in a database (document tracking database) accessible to the document output device.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, information for identifying a physical location of a document corresponding to the identification code is stored together with the identification code. For example, for each identification code to be stored, information for identifying the physical location of the registered mail identified by the identification code is also stored. Physical location information about the document identified by the identification code is associated with the identification code information about the document. The information is stored in such a way that physical location information for the document can be determined based on an identification code for the document. According to the present embodiment, the identification code and the physical location information are stored in the document tracking database.

When the document output device generates a document, the physical location of the document is the same as the physical location of the document output device itself. For example, when a copier produces a photocopy, the photoproduct is typically located in the output tray of the copier. As a result, when the document is created by the document output device, the identification code read from the identification tag physically associated with the document is stored, and the physical position information related to the stored identification code is output to the document output device. Initialized to the physical location of the device. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the document output device can store the identification code information and the physical position information in the document tracking database.

For each identification code stored in the document tracking database, other information related to the document identified by the identification code may also be stored in the document tracking database. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic information representation of a document is stored in a document tracking database and associated with an identification code identifying the document. For example, a scanned image of a document, an electronic format and the like received by the document output device and used to create the document (eg, PostScript, PDF format, image format, etc.) may be stored in the document tracking database. .

For example, in the case of a document generated by a printer, the printer is configured to store the following information in a document tracking database, which includes: from an identification tag physically associated with the document printed by the printer. The read identification code information, the information identifying the physical location of the printer, and the electronic format (e.g., PostScript, PDF format, image format, etc.) received and used by the printer to generate the printed output.

For photocopied documents created by copiers or scanners from manuscripts, the copiers or scanners are constructed to store the following information in a document tracking database that: The identification code information read from the associated identification code, the information identifying the physical location of the copier, and the scanned image of the original document used by the copier to create a photocopy.

With respect to the facsimile output created by the facsimile machine, the facsimile machine is configured to store the following information in a document tracking database, which includes: identification code information read from an identification tag physically associated with the facsimile output, facsimile. Information identifying the physical location of the device, electronic information used by the facsimile device to generate a facsimile output.

According to the method of the present invention, the physical position information corresponding to the identification code and stored in the document tracking database is updated as the physical position of the document identified by the identification code changes. As described below, the physical location of the document is determined using the tag reader network, and the physical location information associated with the identification code identifying the document is updated appropriately.

As described above, identification code information and physical location information for a document can be stored in a document tracking database. The winning output device or other data processing system may be stored in its document tracking database. If the information is stored by a system other than the document output device, the document output device can be configured to transfer the information to another system.

It will be appreciated that various techniques known in the art may be used to store the identification code, physical location information, and other information described above. For example, in other embodiments, the information may be stored in a file, such as in one or more data structures.

As described above, the document output device can be embodied as a copy machine. According to the embodiment of the present application, the copier physically associates the identification tag with the document created by the copier, and reads the identification code information read from the identification tag physically associated with the document created by the copier. It can be configured to assist with storage. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a network environment 100 comprising a copy machine 102, which is configured to create documents according to embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, copier 102 is connected to network 104 via communication link 106. Copier 102 receives document 126 (also referred to as a “user-provided document”) and prints a copy (or photocopy) 128 of document 126. Document 128 represents a document created by copier 102. The user provided document may be a single page or a multi-page document. Data processing system 108 is also connected to network 104 via communication link 106. The network environment 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example of applying the present invention and does not limit the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. One skilled in the art will recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.

The communication network 104 shown in FIG. 1 provides a means for enabling the communication and exchange of data and information between the data processing system 108 and the copier 102. Communication network 104 may itself be a number of interconnected computer systems and communication links. Communication network 104 may be implemented as a direct connection, a LAN, a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network, an intranet, the Internet, a private network, a public network, a switching network, or any other suitable communication network. obtain.

The communication network 106 used to connect the various systems shown in FIG. 1 can be of various types, including hardwire links, satellite or other wireless communication links, wireless propagation links, and other means of information communication. Can be Various communication protocols can be used to support information communication over the communication link. Communication protocols include TCP / IP, HTTP protocol, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), protocols from industry standards organizations, vendor-specific protocols, custom protocols, etc. obtain.

As shown in FIG. 1, copier 102 includes a processor 110 that communicates with a number of peripheral subsystems through a bus system 112. These peripheral subsystems include a storage subsystem 114, a user interface subsystem 116, a network interface subsystem 118, a scanner subsystem 120, a printing subsystem 122, and a tagging subsystem 124.

The bus subsystem 122 allows a user interface with the copier 102 to be provided. A user can be a human user, a device, a process, another computer, or the like. The user interface subsystem 116 may be implemented using a touch pad, a touch screen, mechanical buttons, and the like. Interface 116 allows a user to select an option to generate a photocopy from user provided document 126. For example, the interface 116 allows the user to select the paper size used to generate the photocopy, the darkness of the copy, the contrast of the copy, the number of copies to generate, the scale, and other options known in the art. Allows you to choose. Interface 116 also provides a "copy / start" key that allows the user to activate the copy function. When “start / copy” is selected, the copier 102 prints a copy (or photocopy) 128 of the user provided document 126.

According to the present embodiment, interface 116 allows a user to select whether an identification tag should be physically associated with photocopy document 128 created by copier 102. For example, before photocopying a user-provided document, interface 116 prompts the user to select whether the identification tag is physically associated with the photocopy. The identification tag is physically associated with the photocopy document only if the user indicates that the identification tag should be physically associated with the photocopy.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the identification tag is physically associated with the photocopy made by the copier 102 without prompting for user input or without user permission. In this embodiment, actuation of the "copy / start" key by the user initiates the photocopy function, which causes the copier 102 to physically associate an identification tag with the photocopy document to be generated and generated by the copier 102. Sufficient to read the identification code information from the identification tag physically associated with the photocopy and cause the identification code information and physical location information of the document 128 to be stored in the document tracking database. As described above, the physical location of the photocopy 128 may be initialized to the physical location of the copier 102. Other information related to the photocopy may also be stored in the document tracking database.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the selection of the "copy / start" key is a user command that physically associates an identification tag with the copied and generated photocopy and stores information in the document tracking database. Is to be interpreted by the copier 102 to request that In this embodiment, the identification tag is applied to the photocopy generated by the copier 102, and the identification code read from the identification tag and the physical position information corresponding to the generated photocopy are used for document tracking. Users do not notice that they are automatically stored in the database.

The user interface subsystem 116 also provides an interface for outputting information to a user. For example, information relating to the status of the copier 102 or information relating to a copy function activated by the user is output to the user through the interface 116.

The network interface subsystem 118 provides an interface to other computer systems (eg, data processing system 108), networks and devices. Examples of network interface subsystem 118 include Ethernet cards, modems (telephones, satellites, cables, ISDN, etc.), (asymmetric) digital subscriber line (ADSL) devices, and the like. Network interface subsystem 118 supports the transfer of information to and from copier 102 in an appropriate format.

The processor 110 executes and controls all functions of the copier 102. For example, processor 110 may execute programs that control the functions of various subsystems of copier 102. These functions include physically associating the identification tag with the photocopy, reading the identification code information from the identification tag physically associated with the photocopy generated by the copier 102, and identifying the identification code information and This may include storing the corresponding physical location information in a document tracking database.

The storage subsystem 114 can be configured to store basic programming and data structures that provide the functions of the copier 102. For example, according to the embodiment of the present application, a software module for executing the function of the copier 102 and a control program may be stored in the storage subsystem 114. Processor 110 may execute these software modules. Storage subsystem 114 also provides a repository or database for storing information in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. For example, the document tracking database may be stored in the storage subsystem 114. It will be appreciated that the document tracking database may be stored locally (ie, by the copier 102) or by some other storage system. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a document tracking database may be stored in the processing system 108. In this embodiment, copier 102 may be configured to communicate identification code information and physical location information to data processing system 108.

The scanner subsystem 120 includes the scanner 130 and the image processing device 132. Scanner 130 is configured to capture an image of user provided document 126 and transmit the image to image processing device 132. The image processing device 132 operates to remove inherent distortion in the scanning process. The output of the image processing device is a scanned image of the document 126 with the distortion removed. The scanned image is then transferred to the printing subsystem 122 via the video bus 134 for further processing. The scanned image is used to generate a photocopy of the user provided document. According to the present embodiment, the scanned image is also stored in the document tracking database and associated with an identification code read from an identification tag physically associated with the document 128.

According to the present embodiment, the image data tap 136 enables the processor 110 to access the scanned image transmitted via the video bus 134. In another embodiment of the present invention, an image scanned by scanner 130 is provided to processor 110 by scanner subsystem 120.

The printing subsystem 122 operates according to well-known laser xerography principles, and is configured to receive scanned images from the scanner subsystem 120 and generate a photocopy document 128 of the user provided document 126. You. The print engine 122 operates in synchronization with the tagging subsystem 124 to ensure that the identification tag is physically properly associated with the photocopy 128 and that the identification code information from the identification tag is associated with the physical Read and stored in the document tracking database along with the proper location information.

The tagging subsystem 124 is configured to physically associate an identification tag with a photocopy made by the copier 102. As noted above, various techniques may be used to physically associate the identification tag with the photocopy document. For example, perspective copy document 128 may be created utilizing at least one tagged sheet. Also, the identification tag can be attached to the photocopy 128 or embedded in an object attached to the photocopy 128.

According to the embodiment of the present application, the Hitachi mu chip is used as the identification tag. Due to their small size, various approaches for physically associating the mu-tip with the photocopy can be used. If the chips are embedded in the paper (ie, if tagged paper is used), the tagging subsystem 124 selects at least one tagged paper and generates a photocopy document 128. Provide the tagged paper to the printing subsystem 122. According to the present embodiment, a tagging subsystem 124 associated with the printing subsystem 122 ensures that at least one tagged page is used to create a photocopy 128. If the photocopy consists of multiple pages, a normal document page (ie, a document page without an embedded identification tag) may be used for other pages of the photocopy document. The selection of one or more tagging papers that produce the photocopy 128 may be performed by the tagging subsystem 124, by the printing subsystem 122, or by the two.

Also, the identification tag can be physically associated with the document by physically applying or attaching the identification tag to the document. If the size of the identification tag permits, the identification tag can be attached to the photocopy document 128 such that it is not visible to the naked eye or directly to the user of the document 128. For example, the identification tag may be embedded or mounted in a stop, and the copier 102 may attach the stop to the photocopy document 128. Also, the identification tag can be attached to the photocopy document 128 by mixing it with ink, which ink can be used to create one or more copies when the photocopy is made by the printing subsystem 122. This is to be printed on a photocopy page. Also, the identification tag can be physically associated with the photocopy document formed by the copier 102 using adhesives, clips, or other means.

In another embodiment, the copier 102 provides a sticker or label with an identification tag. The identification tag is physically associated with the photocopy 128 by applying its sticker or label to the photocopy. For example, copier 102 may provide a label with an identification tag, and a user may be required to apply the provided label to a photocopy 128 made by copier 102. Also, various other approaches may be used to physically associate the identification tag with the document 128.

As described above, each identification tag stores information such as a unique identification code that can be used to uniquely identify a document. The identification code may be programmed into the identification tag when the identification code is manufactured or activated. In another embodiment of the present invention, copier 102 may be configured to write a unique identification code to the memory of the identification tag while making photocopy 128. For example, the identification code information is stored in the identification tag's memory before the tag is physically associated with the photocopy 128.

According to the present embodiment, the tagging subsystem 124 is also configured to read an identification code from the identification tag, which is physically associated with the photocopy document 128 generated by the copier 102. One or more tag readers 138 are introduced into the tagging subsystem 124 to facilitate reading of the identification code from the identification tag. The tag reader is configured to read information from each identification tag physically associated with a document generated by the copier 102. The type (type) of tag reader used generally depends on the type of identification tag used in the copier 102. For example, if a Hitachi mu-chip is used as an identification tag, the tag reader 138 included in the tagging subsystem 124 exposes the mu-chip to a microwave band of 2.45 GHz and transmits radio waves emitted from the mu-chip. It can be configured to detect and read. In other embodiments, various other types of tag readers capable of detecting electromagnetic, optical, acoustic, and other signals may be used while utilizing other types of identification tags.

When the identification code information is read from the identification tag physically associated with the document generated by the copier 102, the identification code information and the corresponding physical position information regarding the document are stored. Since the physical location of the copy 128 when it is generated matches the physical location of the copier 102, its physical location information is initialized to the physical location of the copier 102. . As described above, the identification code read from the identification tag physically associated with the generated photocopy and the physical location information for the corresponding document can be stored in the document tracking database.

In other embodiments of the invention, along with the identification code information and physical location information, other information related to the document may be stored in the document tracking database. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a scanned image of document 126 (scanned by scanner subsystem 120) is also stored in the document tracking database and a photocopy 128 of the user provided document created by copier 102. Associated with the identification code information read from the identification tag physically associated with. Other types of information related to the photocopy may also be stored in the document tracking database.

To ensure proper functional operation of the copier 102 according to the teachings of the present invention, accurate synchronization between the various subsystems of the copier 102 is required. Various synchronization signals known in the art are used to achieve that synchronization. Other forms of the copier 102 with more or fewer components than the system shown in FIG. 1 are possible.

As described above, for each photocopier document created by copier 102, an identification tag storing a unique identification code is physically associated with the photocopier document. Identification code information read from an identification tag physically associated with the photocopy and information identifying the physical location of the generated photocopy is stored in the document tracking database. In the manner described above, other document output devices may be configured to create documents in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a high-level conceptual flowchart 200 showing a method for creating a document according to the embodiment of the present application. A document output device performs the method. The flowchart 200 shown in FIG. 2 merely shows a specific example of using the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention described in the claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives.

As shown in FIG. 2, the document output device creates a document, and an identification tag is physically associated with the generated document (step 202). As described above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the identification tag is obtained (for example, by using a tagged paper, a stopper having the identification tag embedded therein, an ink containing the identification tag, or the like). It can be automatically physically associated with the document. In another embodiment, the document output device provides an identification tag (eg, a label having the identification tag) and requests the user to physically associate the provided identification tag with a document created by the registered output device. I do.

The identification code stored in the identification tag physically associated with the document generated in step 202 is read by the document output device (step 204). As described above, the identification code information stored in the identification tag physically associated with the document generated in step 202 can be read using various techniques. The type of technique used to read the information stored on the identification tag generally depends on the type of identification tag used on the document output device. The identification code read in step 204 is used to uniquely identify the document output device created in step 202.

べ き It should be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, the identification code may be read from the identification tag before the identification tag is physically associated with the document. In this embodiment, the document output device identifies an identification tag physically associated with the document, reads an identification code from the identified identification tag, and physically associates the identification tag with the document.

(4) The identification code read from the identification tag in step 204 is stored in the document tracking database (step 206). Physical location information associated with the document generated in step 204 is also stored in the document tracking database (step 208). The physical location information is stored to be associated with the identification code information stored in the document tracking database at step 206. When a document is created on the document output device, the physical position of the document is the same as the physical position of the document output device. Therefore, in step 208, the physical location information is initialized to the physical location of the document output device.

{In the present embodiment, other information related to the document is also stored in the document tracking database (step 210). For example, an electronic information representation of a document (eg, electronic information used to create the document) may also be stored in the document tracking database along with an identification code that identifies the document. For example, scanned images of a document, electronic formats (eg, PostScript format, PDF format) received by the document output device and used to create the document, etc., are stored in the document tracking database.

According to the teachings of the present invention, the identification tag associated with the document along with the information stored on the identification tag is used to determine the physical location of the document. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a distributed system 300 that can be used to track the physical location of a document according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 merely shows an example of using the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention described in the claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize variations, modifications and alternatives.

As shown in FIG. 3, the system 300 has a plurality of tufters (TR) 302 and a user system 306 connected to a data processing system 308 via a communication link 310. The communication link 310 shown in FIG. 3 can be of various types including a hardwire link, an optical link, a satellite or other wireless communication link, a wireless propagation link, or any other means of communicating information. Various communication protocols are used to facilitate information communication over communication links. These communication protocols may include TCP / IP, HTTP protocol, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), protocols from industry standards organizations, vendor protocols, custom protocols, and the like.

Tag reader 302 is configured to read the identification code information stored on the identification tag to assist in determining the physical location of one or more documents, which are physically associated with them. (Embedded or attached) identification tag. Whether a particular tag reader 302 can read information from an identification tag physically associated with the document depends on the proximity of that tag reader to the identification tag. Because the identification tag is physically associated with the document, whether the tag reader 302 can read the identification code from the identification tag depends on the proximity of the tag reader to the document with which the identification tag is physically associated.

If the identification tag has an on-board power supply (ie, on-board battery) and can communicate information (including identification code information) stored in the memory of the identification tag, a tag reader 302, if the tag reader can detect information (which can be in various formats) communicated from the identification tag (ie, the distance from the identification tag to the tag reader is within the communication range of the identification tag and the tag reader Is within the receivable range), the identification code is detected from the identification tag and read.

If the identification tag does not have its own power source and responds to a stimulus provided by an external entity such as a tag reader, the tag reader provides the necessary stimulus to the identification tag and If the information emitted (or emitted) from the identification tag in response can be read, the identification code information can be read from the identification tag. For example, when a Hitachi mu chip is used as an identification tag, the tag reader can expose the mu chip to the 2.45 GHz microwave band and read radio waves emitted from the radiating mu chip identification tag. In this case, the identification code from the mu chip can be read.

手法 The method by which the tag reader reads the identification code from the identification tag depends on the type of the tag reader and the type of the identification tag used. Similarly, the ability of the tag reader to detect and read the identification code from the identification tag depends on the type of the tag reader, the type of the identification tag, and the proximity of the identification tag to the tag reader. It should be understood that an identification code from a particular identification tag physically associated with a document can be detected and read by multiple tag readers proximate the document.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the tag reader 302-1 can read an identification code (and other information) from an identification tag physically associated with the document (PD) 314. The tag readers 302-3 and 302-4 can read an identification code from an identification tag physically associated with the document 316. Further, the tag reader 302-4 can read an identification code from an identification tag physically associated with the document 318. The tag readers 302-5 and 302-6 can read an identification code from an identification tag physically associated with the document 320.

If a particular tag reader is capable of reading an identification code from an identification tag physically associated with a particular document, it may be that the particular document is physically located near that particular tag reader. To indicate that Therefore, the physical location of the document can be determined from the physical location of the tag reader where the identification code can be read. If a plurality of tag readers can read the identification code from the identification tag associated with a particular document, the particular document must be physically located in a location or area (zone) close to the plurality of tag readers. Is shown.

Various techniques may be used to read information from the identification tags utilizing the tag reader 302. According to an embodiment of the present application, the tag reader 302 may be configured to periodically transmit a signal for a response command and read an identification code from an identification tag that can be detected and read by the tag reader. In other embodiments, the tag reader 302 may be configured to respond to signals received from an external system, device or device, or to send a response signal to an identification tag that responds to an external stimulus. For example, the tag reader can send a response command signal to the identification tag when receiving a signal from the data processing system 308.

For each of the identification code information read by the tag reader 302, the tag reader associates a time stamp indicating the time (for example, date and time) when the tag reader read the identification code information with the identification code information. Also, in addition to the identification code information, the tag reader may be configured to read other information stored on the identification tag indicated to respond by the tag reader. Information read from the identification tags by the tag reader is stored in the tag reader or transferred by the tag reader to a central database or computer system (eg, data processing system 308) that stores and / or processes the information.

According to the embodiment of the present application, information read from the tag reader 302 is communicated to the data processing system 308. Based on the identification code received from each tag reader, and based on the physical location of the tag reader, data processing system 308 can determine the physical location of the document corresponding to the identification code received from the tag reader. It is.

As mentioned above, if a particular tag reader is capable of reading an identification code from an identification tag physically associated with a particular document, it means that the particular document is physically close to that particular tag reader. To be positioned. The physical location of the document can be determined based on the physical location of the tag reader. FIG. 4 is a high-level conceptual flowchart showing a method of determining the physical position of a document corresponding to the identification code read by the tag reader according to the embodiment of the present invention. The method is performed by the data processing system 308. For example, the method may be performed by a software module running on a processor of data processing system 308, by a hardware module of data processing system 308, or a combination thereof. The flowchart 400 shown in FIG. 4 merely shows an example of using the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention described in the claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize modifications, variations, and alternatives.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the process shown in FIG. 4 is executed for all the identification codes read by the tag reader 302. The method begins when data processing system 308 receives an identification code from one or more tag readers 302 (step 402). As described above, the data processing system 308 periodically receives information about the identification code read from the tag reader 302. In another embodiment, data processing system 308 receives the information in response to a signal communicated to tag reader 302 by data processing system 308.

The data processing system 308 determines one or more tag readers that have successfully read the identification code received in step 402 (step 404). As described above, the identification code may be read by one or more tag readers. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the identification code read from the identification tag physically associated with the document 316 is read by the tag readers 302-3 and 302-4, but the identification tag physically associated with the document 314. Is read only by the tag reader 302-1.

The data processing system 308 determines the physical location of each tag reader identified in step 404 (step 406). According to an embodiment of the present invention, data processing system 308 stores and has access to information, the information distinguishing the various tag readers and the physical locations of the tag readers in distributed processing system 300. For example, the information may be that tag reader 302-1 is in John's office, tag reader 302-2 is in John's briefcase, tag readers 302-3 and 302-4 are in a conference room, and tag reader 302-5 is in Smith. It is on his office desk, indicating that the tag reader 302-6 is in a mailbox in Smith's office, and so on. According to the present embodiment, information identifying the physical location of the tag reader is stored in a memory location (eg, a file) accessible to data processing system 308.

In another embodiment, each of the tag readers 302 is configured to provide information to the data processing system 308 that identifies the physical location of the tag reader. The tag reader communicates its physical location information to the data processing system 308 along with information related to the identification code read by the tag reader.

The data processing system 308 then determines whether the physical location information stored in the document tracking database and associated with the identification code received in step 402 differs from the physical location information determined in step 406. (Step 408). If the physical location information associated with the identification code and stored in the document tracking database is different from the information determined in step 406, it is determined that the physical location of the document corresponding to the identification code is Indicates that the information associated with has changed since it was stored in the document tracking database. In this case, data processing system 308 updates the physical location information associated with the identification code in the document tracking database to reflect the information determined in step 406 (step 410). A timestamp value corresponding to the time at which the one or more tag readers read the identification code determined in step 404 may also be stored in the document tracking database.

If the physical location information for the identification code in the document tracking database is the same as the information determined in step 406, it means that the physical location of the document corresponding to the identification code indicates that the information associated with the identification code is Indicates that it has not changed since it was stored in the database. In this case, the physical location information stored in the document tracking database corresponding to the identification code does not need to be changed. A timestamp value corresponding to the time at which one or more counters d-a read the identification code determined in step 404 may be stored in the document tracking database.

In another embodiment of the invention, if step 408 determines that the physical location of the document has changed, the previous physical location associated with the identification code identifying (indicating) the document with respect to step 410. Instead of overwriting the information, information identifying (indicating) the new physical location information of the document determined in step 406 is added to the physical location information associated with the identification code information. In this embodiment, for each of the identification codes, the physical location information associated with the identification code includes information indicating various physical locations of the document in chronological order. The physical tracking information associated with the identification code represents a history or log of the various physical locations where the document was detected. An entry for a physical location in the log may be appended with a time stamp indicating when the document was detected at that location.

In the approach described above, the information stored in the document tracking database is continually updated to reflect the current location of the document having an identification tag physically associated therewith. The user can then query the document tracking database to determine the physical location of the particular document identified by the identification code. The user can also query the document tracking database to determine the logs at the various physical locations where the document was located.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the user uses the user system 306 as shown in FIG. 3 to inquire information stored in the document tracking database. A user interface is provided to the user system 306, which allows the user to form a query to determine the physical location of one or more user-specified documents and output the query results. enable. The document may be specified using an identification code associated with the document or using other techniques. User system 306 can be a personal computer, kiosk, personal digital assistant (PDA), communication device such as a cellular telephone, or any other data processing system.

While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, various modifications, alternatives, alternative constructions, and equivalents are within the scope of the present invention. The disclosed invention is not limited to operation in a particular data processing environment, but may operate freely in multiple data processing environments. Further, while the invention has been described using a particular sequence of operations and steps, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the described operations and steps.
Further, while the invention has been described using a particular combination of hardware and software, it will be understood that other combinations of hardware and software may be made within the scope of the invention. . The present invention can be realized only by hardware, only software, or a combination thereof.

明細 Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be treated as illustrative rather than limiting. It will be apparent, however, that additions, deletions, omissions, and other modifications and changes may be made without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a network environment comprising a copier configured to create documents according to an embodiment of the present application. 3 is a high-level conceptual flowchart illustrating a method of creating a document according to the embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a distributed system that can be used to locate a physical location of a document in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a high-level conceptual flowchart illustrating a method of determining a physical location of a document corresponding to an identification code read by a tag reader according to an embodiment of the present application.

Explanation of reference numerals

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Network environment 102 Copier 104 Communication network 106 Communication link 108 Data processing unit 110 Processor 112 Bus subsystem 114 Storage subsystem 116 User interface subsystem 118 Network interface subsystem 120 Scanner subsystem 122 Print subsystem 124 Tagging subsystem 126 Original document 128 Photocopy document 130 Scanner 132 Image processing device 138 Tag reader 300 System 302 Tag reader 306 User system 308 Data processing system 310 Communication link 314, 316, 318, 320 Document

Claims (64)

A method of storing information that allows the physical location of a document to be tracked:
Creating a document using the document output device, wherein the identification tag is physically associated with the document;
Determining identification information stored in the identification tag, wherein the identification information determined from the identification tag is used to identify the document;
Storing the identification information; and storing physical location information for identifying the physical location of the document such that the physical location information is associated with the stored identification information;
A method comprising: The method according to claim 1, wherein the physical location information is set to a physical location of the document output device. The identification tag is embedded in a first paper page; and the step of creating the document utilizes the first paper page to create a document;
The method of claim 1, wherein: The identification tag is embedded in a stop; and the step of creating the document utilizes the stop to create a document.
The method of claim 1, wherein: Creating the document includes:
Creating a label with an identification tag; and applying the label to a document;
The method of claim 1, comprising: The method of claim 1, wherein the step of creating the document comprises attaching an identification tag to the document. The document output device is a copier; and the steps of creating the document include:
Scanning a user provided document and generating a scanned image representing the user provided document; and creating a document based on the scanned image;
The method of claim 1, comprising: The method of claim 7, further comprising storing the scanned image such that the scanned image is associated with stored identification information. The document output device is a printer; and the steps of creating the document include:
Receiving electronic information representing the document; and printing a document based on the electronic information;
The method of claim 1, comprising: The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of storing the electronic information such that the electronic information is associated with stored identification information. The method of claim 9, wherein the electronic information is selected from the group consisting of a PostScript format, a Portable Document Format (PDF), and an image format. The document output device is a facsimile machine; and the steps of creating the document include:
Receiving electronic facsimile information representing the document; and printing the document based on the electronic facsimile information;
The method of claim 1, comprising: The method of claim 12, further comprising storing the electronic facsimile information such that the electronic facsimile information is associated with the stored identification information. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the identification information stored in the identification tag comprises reading the identification information from the identification tag using one or more tag readers. Further:
Receiving first information from a first tag reader, wherein the first information includes identification information read by the first tag reader from an identification tag physically associated with a document;
Determining the physical location of the first tag reader; and storing the physical location information of the first tag reader such that the physical location information of the first tag reader is associated with the stored identification information. ;
The method of claim 1, comprising: Determining the physical location of the first tag reader includes:
Receiving information identifying the physical location of the first tag reader from the first tag reader;
The method of claim 15, comprising: Determining the physical location of the first tag reader includes:
Determining a physical position of the first tag reader from a database storing information for identifying the plurality of tag readers and information for identifying the physical positions of the plurality of tag readers, wherein the plurality of tag readers Steps involving one tag reader;
The method of claim 15, comprising: Storing physical location information of the first tag reader includes:
Changing physical location information associated with identification information to indicate the physical location of the first tag reader;
The method of claim 15, comprising: Storing physical location information of the first tag reader includes:
Adding information identifying the physical location of the first tag reader to physical location information associated with the identification information;
The method of claim 15, comprising: Further:
Receiving first information from a first tag reader, wherein the first information includes identification information read by the first tag reader from an identification tag physically associated with a document;
Receiving second information from a second tag reader, wherein the second information includes identification information read by the second tag reader from an identification tag physically associated with a document;
Determining the physical location of the first tag reader;
Determining a physical location of the second tag reader; and a physical location associated with the stored identification information to indicate the physical location of the first tag reader and the physical location of the second tag reader. Changing information;
The method of claim 1, comprising: Further:
Receiving a query requesting information identifying the document and identifying the physical location of the document; and in response to the query:
Determining physical location information associated with identification information for identifying a document; and outputting the physical location information;
The method of claim 1, comprising: A system for storing information that enables the physical location of a document to be tracked:
Document output device; and data processing system;
Wherein said document output device comprises:
Creating a document to which the identification tag is physically associated; and determining the identification information stored on the identification tag;
Wherein the identification information determined from the identification tag is used to identify the document; and wherein the data processing system comprises:
Storing the identification information in the data processing system; and storing physical location information in the data processing system to identify a physical location of the document such that the physical location information is associated with the stored identification information;
The system characterized by being comprised as follows. 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the physical location information is set to a physical location of the document output device. The identification tag is embedded in a first sheet page; and the document output device is configured to create a document using the first sheet page to create a document.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein: The identification tag is embedded in a stop; and the document output device is configured to utilize the stop to create a document.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein: The document output device is:
Making a label with an identification tag; and applying said label to the document;
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the system is configured to: 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the document output device is configured to attach an identification tag to the document. The document output device is a copy machine;
Scanning a user provided document, generating a scanned image representing the user provided document; and creating a document based on the scanned image;
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the system is configured to: 28. The system of claim 28, further comprising the data processing system configured to store the scanned image such that the scanned image is associated with stored identification information. The document output device is a printer; and
Receiving electronic information representing the document; and printing a document based on the electronic information;
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the system is configured to: 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the data processing system is further configured to store the electronic information such that the electronic information is associated with stored identification information. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the electronic information is selected from the group consisting of a PostScript format, a Portable Document Format (PDF), and an image format. The document output device is a facsimile device and:
Receiving electronic facsimile information representing the document; and printing the document based on the electronic facsimile information;
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the system is configured to: 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the data processing system is further configured to store the electronic facsimile information such that the electronic facsimile information is associated with the stored identification information. The document output device is configured to determine the identification information stored in the identification tag by reading the identification information from the identification tag using one or more tag readers. 23. The system of claim 22. The data processing system further comprises:
Receiving first information from a first tag reader, wherein the first information includes identification information read by the first tag reader from an identification tag physically associated with a document;
Determining the physical location of the first tag reader; and storing the physical location information of the first tag reader such that the physical location information of the first tag reader is associated with the stored identification information;
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the system is configured to: 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the data processing system is configured to receive information identifying a physical location of the first tag reader from the first tag reader. The data processing system is configured to determine a physical position of a first tag reader from a database storing information for identifying a plurality of tag readers and information for identifying a physical position of the plurality of tag readers, 37. The system of claim 36, wherein said tag reader comprises said first tag reader. The method of claim 15, wherein the data processing system is configured to change physical location information associated with identification information to indicate a physical location of the first tag reader. 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the data processing system is configured to add information identifying a physical location of the first tag reader to physical location information associated with the identification information. In addition, the data processing system:
Receiving first information from a first tag reader, wherein the first information includes identification information read by the first tag reader from an identification tag physically associated with a document;
Receiving second information from a second tag reader, wherein the second information includes identification information read by the second tag reader from an identification tag physically associated with a document;
Determining the physical location of the first tag reader;
Determining the physical location of the second tag reader; and physical location information associated with the stored identification information to indicate the physical location of the first tag reader and the physical location of the second tag reader. Change;
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the system is configured to: The data processing system also:
Receiving a query requesting information identifying the document and identifying the physical location of the document;
Determining physical location information associated with identification information identifying the document; and outputting the physical location information;
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the system is configured to: A computer program stored on a computer readable storage medium for storing information enabling the physical location of a document to be tracked:
A code for creating a document using the document output device, wherein the identification tag is physically associated with the document;
A code for determining identification information stored in the identification tag, wherein the identification information determined from the identification tag is a code used to identify the document;
A code for storing the identification information; and a code for storing physical location information for identifying the physical location of the document so that the physical location information is associated with the identification information stored.
A computer program characterized by comprising: 44. The computer program according to claim 43, wherein the physical location information is set to a physical location of the document output device. The identification tag is embedded in a first paper page; and the code for creating the document comprises a code for using the first paper page to create a document;
44. The computer program according to claim 43, wherein: The identification tag is embedded in a stop; and the code for creating the document comprises code for utilizing the stop to create a document;
44. The computer program according to claim 43, wherein: The code that creates the document is:
A code for producing a label having an identification tag; and a code for attaching the label to a document;
44. The computer program according to claim 43, comprising: 44. The computer program according to claim 43, wherein the code for creating the document comprises a code for attaching an identification tag to the document. The document output device is a copier; and the code for creating the document is:
Code for scanning a user provided document and generating a scanned image representing the user provided document; and code for creating a document based on the scanned image;
44. The computer program according to claim 43, comprising: 50. The computer program according to claim 49, further comprising a code for storing the scanned image so that the scanned image is associated with the stored identification information. The document output device is a printer; and the code for creating the document is:
A code for receiving electronic information representing the document; and a code for printing a document based on the electronic information;
44. The computer program according to claim 43, comprising: 52. The computer program according to claim 51, further comprising a code for storing the electronic information so that the electronic information is associated with stored identification information. 52. The computer program according to claim 51, wherein the electronic information is selected from the group consisting of a postscript format, a portable document format (PDF), and an image format. The document output device is a facsimile device; and the code for creating the document is:
A code for receiving electronic facsimile information representing the document; and a code for printing the document based on the electronic facsimile information;
44. The computer program according to claim 43, comprising: 55. The computer program according to claim 54, further comprising code for storing the electronic facsimile information so that the electronic facsimile information is associated with the stored identification information. 44. The computer program according to claim 43, wherein the code for determining the identification information stored in the identification tag comprises a code for reading the identification information from the identification tag using one or more tag readers. Further:
A code for receiving first information from a first tag reader, wherein the first information includes identification information read by the first tag reader from an identification tag physically associated with a document;
A code for determining the physical location of the first tag reader; and a code for storing the physical location information of the first tag reader such that the physical location information of the first tag reader is associated with the stored identification information. ;
44. The computer program according to claim 43, comprising: The code that determines the physical location of the first tag reader is:
A code for receiving information identifying the physical location of the first tag reader from the first tag reader;
58. The computer program according to claim 57, comprising: The code that determines the physical location of the first tag reader is:
A code for determining a physical position of a first tag reader from a database storing information for identifying a plurality of tag readers and information for identifying a physical position of the plurality of tag readers, wherein the plurality of tag readers are Code containing one tag reader;
58. The computer program according to claim 57, comprising: The code for storing the physical location information of the first tag reader is:
Code for changing physical location information associated with the identification information to indicate the physical location of the first tag reader;
58. The computer program according to claim 57, comprising: The code for storing the physical location information of the first tag reader is:
A code for adding information for identifying the physical location of the first tag reader to physical location information related to the identification information;
58. The computer program according to claim 57, comprising: Further:
A code for receiving first information from a first tag reader, wherein the first information includes identification information read by the first tag reader from an identification tag physically associated with a document;
A code for receiving second information from a second tag reader, wherein the second information includes identification information read by the second tag reader from an identification tag physically associated with a document;
A code for determining a physical position of the first tag reader;
A code for determining the physical location of the second tag reader; and a physical location associated with the stored identification information to indicate the physical location of the first tag reader and the physical location of the second tag reader. Code that changes information;
44. The computer program according to claim 43, comprising: Further:
Code for receiving a query requesting information identifying the document and identifying the physical location of the document; and in response to the query:
A code for determining physical position information associated with identification information for identifying a document; and a code for outputting the physical position information;
44. The computer program according to claim 43, comprising: A system for storing information that enables the physical location of a document to be tracked:
Means for creating a document using the document output device, wherein the identification tag is physically associated with the document;
Means for determining identification information stored in the identification tag, wherein the identification information determined from the identification tag is used to identify the document;
Means for storing the identification information; and means for storing physical location information for identifying the physical location of the document such that the physical location information is associated with the stored identification information;
A system, comprising:

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